China Doll (play)
| China Doll | |
|---|---|
| Written by | David Mamet |
| Characters | Mickey Ross Carson |
| Date premiered | 2015 |
| Place premiered | Broadway |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Drama |
| Setting | Manhattan apartment |
China Doll is a play by David Mamet.[1]
Plot
A two character play about a billionaire businessman, Mickey Ross, and Carson, his personal assistant.[1]
Production
The play began previews on Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on October 21, 2015 with the official opening originally scheduled for November 19.[2] On November 9, 2015, the producers announced that the official opening was moved to December 4, 2015, stating "The move allows the creative team additional time to work on the play before its world premiere."[3] The play opened on December 4, 2015 in a limited engagement for 97 performances.[4]
Al Pacino plays billionaire "Mickey Ross" and Christopher Denham plays his assistant "Carson" in the two-character play.[5][6][7] The play is directed by Pam MacKinnon, with scenery by Derek McLane, lighting by Russell H. Champa and costumes by Jess Goldstein.[7]
Pacino said of his character and the play: "...'one of the most daunting and challenging roles I've been given to explore onstage. It's a special gift to originate a role in the theatre, especially written by such a formidable writer, and I haven't done that in a long, long time...' "[8]
Reception
The early reviews have been negative. Michael Riedel, theatre columnist for The New York Post called it a "terrible new play"... "Preview audiences are having none of it. The exodus at intermission is practically a stampede, and sources say some have angrily demanded refunds."[9]
After a retooling of the play, the December 2015 review in The New York Times said "One of the biggest problems (though not the only one) in comprehending China Doll is that Mr. Pacino's lurching, stammering performance is not easy to follow in terms of content, character or subtext. There has been more than enough evidence in the past to certify that Mr. Pacino is a bona fide genius, so let's assume that there are reasons for what he's doing here."[1]
References
- ^ a b c Brantley, Ben (December 3, 2015). "Review: In David Mamet's 'China Doll,' Al Pacino as an Urban Warrior in Winter". The New York Times.
- ^ Cox, Gordon (April 2, 2015). "Al Pacino in 'China Doll' Sets Dates for Broadway". Variety.
- ^ Viagas, Robert (November 9, 2015). "With More Work Needed, David Mamet Drama 'China Doll', Starring Al Pacino, Delays Opening". Playbill.
- ^ Viagas, Robert (December 4, 2015). "David Mamet Drama 'China Doll', Starring Al Pacino, Opens on Broadway". Playbill.
- ^ Ng, David (16 October 2014). "Al Pacino will star in new David Mamet play". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
- ^ "David Mamet's 'China Doll' Adds Fran Kranz Opposite Pacino". The New York Times. AP. 2 April 2015. Retrieved 28 July 2015.
- ^ a b Gans, Andrew (August 19, 2015). "Christopher Denham Replaces Fran Kranz in 'China Doll', Starring Al Pacino; David Mamet Play Extends Run". Playbill.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|coauthor=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Gans, Andrew (June 5, 2015). "Tix to Al Pacino's Broadway Return in David Mamet's 'China Doll' On Sale Today". Playbill.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|coauthor=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Riedel, Michael (2015-10-29). "Al Pacino needs teleprompters for lines in terrible new Broadway play". New York Post. Retrieved 2015-10-30.
External links
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